Symptoms of Endo
There are various ways people describe pain from endometriosis.
It can feel like sharp, cramping in one spot or across a larger area of the body.
It can feel diffuse and difficult to pinpoint.
It can feel like a burning pain which radiates to other areas of the body.
Here are some symptoms our patients commonly describe:
- Fatigue
- Pain on or around your period that stops you from participating in your normal day-to-day activities
- Pain on or around ovulation
- Pain during or after sex
- pain with bowel movements
- pain when you urinate
- Pelvic, lower back and leg pain
- Frequent urination, or the urge to urinate frequently
Laparoscopy, or key hole, surgery is used to help see evidence of endometriosis. Excision surgery is an advanced laparoscopic technique used by BWC gynaecologists to remove any endometriosis found during the procedure. This is usually a day procedure.
Laparoscopy and excision surgery
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Dr Pat or Dr Kate assess your symptoms and use in-house ultrasound to help inform diagnosis. Some patients are referred to a specialist sonographer to assess whether there is any endo in the bowel. Some endometriosis isn't found on ultrasound and surgery is required.
Gynaecology assessment
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The first assessment is with your GP. On average it takes 7 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis but a referral to a gynaecologist is essential to decrease the time to diagnosis and treatment. If you don't have a GP or need a women's health GP you can call BWC.
GP Management and Referral
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A BWC multidiscplinary approach to Endometriosis
Pain management anaesthetist
Pelvic floor physiotherapist
Dietician
Counsellor
Sex & relationship counsellor
The Team
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BWC has a team of in-house practitioners who provide a multidisciplinary approach to long term management of complex endo pain.
A team approach
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Some people achieve complete resolution from surgery, some have ongoing pain and will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.
